PSU defensive coordinator Ted Roof leaving for Georgia Tech

Penn State defensive coordinator Ted Roof is leaving the Nittany Lions after one season to take the same role at Georgia Tech, his alma mater, the university said Wednesday. (Associated Press -- File)

STATE COLLEGE - Penn State's outgoing defensive coordinator was known for his aggressive coaching but his mild-mannered approach and wisdom.

The incoming coordinator?

Well, John Butler was known for throwing things - like his headset - and nearly running onto the field during games to get his points across to players - and officials.

But departing senior cornerback Stephon Morris said he's confident the Nittany Lions won't miss much with Butler, the former defensive backs coach, taking over Ted Roof.

On Wednesday, news broke that Roof, the first-year defensive coordinator, was leaving Penn State to take the same position at Georgia Tech, his alma mater and the place where he also was an assistant coach.

Penn State's Bill O'Brien quickly announced Butler as his successor.

"He's very fiery, (maybe) the most intense coach on the staff," Morris said of Butler. "When we'd watch film, we'd see him going crazy and we'd tease him about it, and he'd joke back at us."

During his first season with the Nittany Lions, Butler coaches safeties and cornerbacks and also worked with special teams. He inherited a secondary that lost all four starters from the 2011 season and still helped Penn State rank second in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally in scoring defense (19.1 points per game).

One of those vastly-improved defensive backs was Morris - the credit split between Roof and Butler.

"Last year we blitzed more and got after the quarterback more. They let us freelance a little more and disguise (coverages). We had more fun."

Butler, with his vibrant, show-all personality, were at the center of that transformation.

The first time they truly met was at the team's first winter 5:30 a.m. conditioning session. "He was fiery and yelling at people," Morris said. "He's loud and has to have his voice heard. You can hear him like 200 yards away. He really got on my nerves that first month.

"At times, it just seemed like he wanted to get on us, but once you got to know him . . ."

Morris went on to say how he believes Butler will be a sound replacement.

"It's just the fact that it was the first time in my career, other than with my dad as a coach, that I had someone who could relate to on the field as well as off the field, who really cared about me. He already has that bond with the secondary. He's a funny person, but at the same time he'll yell at you and get you better."

Meanwhile, a statement on Georgia Tech's website Wednesday said Roof's hiring could not become official until he completed a background check which would likely occur next week.

"I've known Ted for a long time and I'm excited that he has decided to come back to Georgia Tech," Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson said.

Roof, a Georgia native, also served as defensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets under George O'Leary for three seasons starting in 1999. Roof played linebacker at Georgia Tech in the 1980s under Bill Curry.

Roof's Penn State departure comes as somewhat of a surprise after a successful season coordinating O'Brien's defense in the wake of landmark NCAA sanctions on the program for the Jerry Sandusky molestation scandal.

O'Brien and Roof have known each other for a while - O'Brien also coached at Georgia Tech under O'Leary from 1995-2001. O'Leary is now coach at Central Florida.

"I am very appreciative of Ted's contributions to Penn State," O'Brien said. "Ted is a great coach and person. He earned the respect of our players and they enjoyed playing for him. We wish Ted and his family well."

Under Roof's watch, Penn State was second in the Big Ten in scoring defense (19.1 points), first in sacks (34) and first in red-zone defense. He was also instrumental in opening up recruiting avenues in the South for Penn State, including backup quarterback Steven Bench.

Now, Roof will be asked to stabilize Georgia Tech's defense after Johnson fired defensive coordinator Al Groh at midyear. At the time of Groh's dismissal, Georgia Tech was 89th in points allowed (30.2 points) and 90th in total defense (431 yards per game).

Roof came to Penn State last year after serving as Central Florida's defensive coordinator for less than a month. He landed that job under O'Leary just weeks after leaving Auburn following the 2011 regular season.

Roof directed the Tigers defense for three seasons, including the 2010 national championship season. Johnson called Roof "one of the most respected football coaches in the nation."

In Happy Valley, Butler coached a secondary thin in depth that gradually improved through the season and fixed mistakes that led to early woes on third downs. He's perhaps best known to Penn State fans for his animated sideline demeanor while encouraging or positioning players.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

About Roof· Hometown: Lawrenceville, Ga. · Years spent coaching: 26 · Last job: Auburn defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 2009-11 · Education: Graduated from Georgia Tech and is a member of its Athletics Hall of Fame · Other experience: Defensive coordinator at Minnesota in 2008; defensive coordinator at Duke in 2002-03 and head coach of the Blue Devils in 2004-07. Roof's portfolio also includes stints with West Georgia (1989) Duke (1990-93), Massachusetts (1994-96) and Western Carolina (1997) before returning to his alma mater in 1998. · O'Brien connection: Roof worked with O'Brien and McWhorter at Georgia Tech from 1998-2001, serving as defensive coordinator the last three years. · Noteworthy: Roof helped the Tigers capture the 2010 BCS national championship. During Auburn's title campaign, the Tigers (14-0) ranked No. 9 nationally in rushing defense and 16th in tackles for loss.

About Butler· Hometown: graduated from LaSalle College High School in suburban Philadelphia · Years spent coaching: 14 · Last job: Special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach at South Carolina · Education: Graduated from Catholic University, where he played football and basketball.· Other experience: Linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Minnesota from 2007-10 and coached against the Nittany Lions his last two seasons. Butler also has coached at Harvard (2003-06), Texas State (2001-02) and Midwestern State (1999-2000) and was a graduate assistant at Texas in 1997 and '98 under John Mackovic and Mack Brown.· Noteworthy: He worked with Antonio Allen, who earned Associated Press second-team All-America honors and was the only SEC player to rank in the league's top 10 in tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.